CaRYOPHYLLACEA. 1g- 
by their stalks around the ovary and styles. Some members of the order 
yield fibre, and many are decorative garden plants; but the order also 
includes a: few troublesome weeds, which are difficult to get rid of, since. 
the seed in some cases may retain its vitality for many years in the soil, 
and has often a cuticularized coat impermeable to moisture until scratched. 
or broken. 
Malva rotundifolia, L. The Dwarf Mallow. A native of Europe, 
Asia, and Africa. A common weed in waste ground and neglected gardens, 
as well as, sometimes, in pastures. Its deep roots enable it to stand dry 
conditions,. and it produces seed freely. It should be pulled up, piled 
and burnt before seeding. If once allowed to seed freely, seedlings will 
continue to appear for some years. Although an annual it may last 
longer than one season, and the Tall Mallow (Malva sylvestris, 1.) which 
is common in England but less common here, is a biennial. The Tree 
Mallow (Zavatera arborea) has a.certain fodder value, and is of use for 
quick growing shelter hedges. 
CARYOPHYLLACEZ (PINK FamiIty). 
Herbs with paired undivided leaves at each joint, usually five partite 
flowers and ten stamens, and a capsule opening by apical teeth. A large 
family, mainly of temperate regions. 
This order is practically without economic value and, although it includes 
many decorative plants, also includes a large number of troublesome weeds, 
more especially of cultivated ground, All are herbs, either perennial or 
annual, and in the latter case, often of very short’ duration. The seeds 
are small, usually very numerous, but for the most part do not appear. to 
retain vitality for more than two or three years at the outside. Nearly 
all are non-poisonous, and a few have a slight fodder value. 
Silene cucubalus, Wibel, (S. inflata, Sm.) The Bladder Campion. 
A native of Europe, "Asia and Africa, easily recognised by its white 
flower and bladderlike calyx ; is a common weed in England, and was 
probably introduced with impure seed. It appears to be becoming a 
troublesome weed in the Geelong district. On cultivated land it should 
give no trouble, but being a perennial its suppression on permanent 
pastures is more difficult. If the latter are not put under temporary 
cultivation, the weed should be hoed up with its root, piled and burnt 
before flowering. 
S. gallica, L. The French Campion. A native of Europe, Asia and 
Africa. It is a fairly tall hairy annual found in many parts of the, 
country but does not appear to have done any great harm, and is compara- 
tively easily suppressed. Its flowers vary in colour from white to red. 
Lychnis coeli-rosa, Desr. The Rose of Heaven. A native of the 
Mediterranean regions, which appeared as a garden escape at Skipton prior 
to 1863, and at Red Jacket Creek in 1874 but does not appear to be 
dangerous or likely to spread. ~ 
L. Githago, Scop. The Corn Cockle. This is a native of Europe, Asia. 
and Africa. It is a tall annual which is a great pest, especially in corn- 
fields, but fortunately does not as yet appeay to be abundant in this State. 
The seeds are rough and black, nearly the size of wheat grains and hence 
difficult to separate from them. If present, they discolour the flour, and 
also if in abundance make it injurious to health, since they contain a 
poisonous principle—Githagin. The use of pure seed, combined with good 
tillage and cleanly cultivation, will keep the plant down. It reached this 
